NV Natural Resource Specialist/Ecologist

OFFICE LOCATION

Nevada Field Office

WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

As a partner to the Winnemucca District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) the Natural Resource Specialist (NRS) supports and develops natural resource Inflation Reduction Act projects within the Montana Mountains restoration landscape, including the design, collection, analysis, and reporting of natural resources data for monitoring and conservation activities, with particular emphasis on vegetation management.  The NRS addresses critical threats to natural systems and individual species, landscape level information relevant to the planning process. For projects within the focal landscape, the NRS coordinates among subject matter experts, including wildlife, fisheries, and invasive species biologists, hydrologists, range management specialist, minerals specialists, geologists, cultural resources, and community members and helps to determine if projects within the focal area are compatible with stated restoration objectives. The incumbent also coordinates learning opportunities between the BLM and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) staff. As a project manager, the NRS sets deadlines, adaptively manages projects, inspects projects and ensures completion of work to high standards.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

Want to help save the planet? The Nature Conservancy in Nevada is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make this state unique. This is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization and helping us achieve our conservation mission at large scales in a highly leveraged position with the BLM! Located in northwest Nevada, the Montana Mountains restoration landscape encompasses three watersheds that cover over 4.3 million acres. Fire and drought exacerbated by climate change threaten this priority landscape. Public lands in the Montana Mountains surround and provide access to the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, an oasis in this high desert. A core sage-steppe habitat in Nevada, this landscape is home to antelope, mule deer, greater sage-grouse, pygmy rabbit, and other species that rely on sagebrush. Here, aquatic restoration and protection as well as long-term commitments to fire restoration projects can help improve the functioning of this landscape for people and nature.

This is a full-time, 3 year position with the incumbent being an employee of TNC. Daily support, instruction, and leadership will be provided by the Humboldt River Field Manager, John Mitchell. Overall supervision will be provided by TNC’s Strategy Director for Resilient Public Lands. This position will be in the BLM Winnemucca District Office, 5100 E. Winnemucca Blvd. Winnemucca, NV 89445, and will require travel throughout the BLM Winnemucca District. This incumbent is expected to work closely with Winnemucca Field Office specialists, Nevada State Office Program Leads, IRA Project Team, IWJV, and other Federal, State and local agencies and partners.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in gathering field data and synthesizing it into reports.
• Experience managing staff or volunteers.
• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., private landowners, local government officials, state and federal agencies, conservation partners, scientists, media, etc..
• Experience developing or managing interdisciplinary projects with multiple partners.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Knowledge of local habitat types, plant species, wildlife species, and ecology in relation to the restoration projects.
• Experience applying agency policies and procedures, including National Environmental Planning Act, BLM Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation plans, and Federal and State Clean Water Act requirements.
• Experience applying related resource management fields such as wildlife habitat management, range management, landscape architecture, plant genetics, hydrology, soil science, and forest management to review and manage implementation of riparian and upland restoration projects in the Great Basin.
• Basic knowledge of the Geographic Information System (GIS), remote sensing, and the Geographic Positioning System (GPS) for the application and collection of data to develop and maintain project maps and data files.

WHAT WE BRING

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world! 

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

This role will at times work under minimal supervision and make independent decisions.  This role will also work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.  This position will require some overnight travel in Nevada.

This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with the Conservancy’s Auto Safety Program.  Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered “high risk drivers.”  Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers. 

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record. Additional requirement is the ability to obtain BLM Security Clearance.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of  $71,000 – $ 75,500 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate’s location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.